I am a plastic surgeon in Little Rock, AR. I used to "suture for a living", I continue "to live to sew". These days most of my sewing is piecing quilts. I love the patterns and interplay of the fabric color. I would like to explore writing about medical/surgical topics as well as sewing/quilting topics. I will do my best to make sure both are represented accurately as I share with both colleagues and the general public.

Quilts of Valor

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Thursday, May 8, 2008

The following was the conclusion of an article I recently read on David Cheever in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (referenced below). I would like to share it. I think it applies to whatever field you choose to study, not just medicine.

"Although we may remember David Cheever as a surgical innovator, his character is more aptly revealed in the following passage from a lecture, delivered before the Harvard Medical School class of 1871, entitled “How to Study Medicine”21:

If you seek for wealth you have mistaken your avocation. There must be something more, and something higher. That something is a love of your profession; a passion for science for its own sake; a broad humanity, which covers all the sick with a mantle of charity. Never lose sight of that motive, for if it once takes flight, your profession is reduced to a trade, and there is absolutely nothing left. As long as you can keep alive the sacred flame of this early passion which first called you to embrace the medicalprofession, so long shall you be warmed, sustained, upheld amid disappointment, unjust treatment or reverses."

I'll also give an Amen, but what I found so interesting is that this was given at a time when medical education and science was really in a state of disarray in the U.S. 40 years before the the Flexner ReportTruly, words spoken by a man way ahead of his time.

I still don't understand where doctors feel they get the moral authority to tell others how they should feel about their profession. I've never heard of engineers or investment bankers or computer programmers having opinions about what one's attitude toward computer programming should be. The reasons why someone decides to pursue a paticular profession and their attitude towards practicing it are deeply personal and based on a lifelong struggle to decide what gives one's life value and meaning - I don't think there's any right or wrong about it.

I found you from a google search for slave quilts. I found it interesting that you like sewing and that you suture too. As far as the words you posted, I applaud you and cheer praises because depth and perspective are the kernels that form real gold. I think it is amusing that someone tried to impose a "gawd complex" because of you vocation. I believe we all need a vacation from such harsh judgement unless one is really willing to work towards advocating the uncovering the real work: The Job of Searching One's Self.

Disclaimer

My purpose in writing my blog is to attempt to provide good solid medical information on topics of my choosing. It is a way to educate myself, my colleagues, and the general public. References will be provided on medical posts, but not on opinion essays or poetry posts. An additional purpose is to share my interest in quilting topics, a way to show my human side.

Any medical information provided by this site is not a replacement for medical diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical advice. It should not be used to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Always seek professional medical consultation by a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions - please, do not ignore your doctor's medical advice based on information written by the author or commenters of this site. Please do not ask me for medical advice, but instead contact a healthcare provider in your area. Anything written about office/hospital situations/events are fictional examples to get a point across. No patient is/will ever be a specific patient (unless given written permission), but a fictional one. To know more about how I handle medical information about patients please link here. Unless, I am praising a colleague, even those will be fictional. Any similarities to you or people you know is purely coincidental. My husband and I, and our dogs are fair game.

In early 2009 I joined the Better Health Network. As part of that Network, I will occasionally be paid for my writing. Those posts will be clearly noted. I will strive to maintain my high ethical standards. If I add any advertising, it will be clearly marked as such.

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I do not intend to use this blog to collect or dispense private health information on patients. If any patient is used as an explicit example for a posting, I will get that patient's consent in writing to use their story and/or photo. The office is permitted by federal privacy laws to make uses and disclosures of your health information for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations. However, that is not the intent of this blog. I intend to share information on medical/quilting topics with the general public and my colleagues. This web site does not share or sell any personal information, including your name, address, or email addresses with third parties. Have a blessed day!